The colic carry

Sometimes when your baby is crying inconsolably, what he needs is more pressure.

No, really. Pressure on a baby’s tummy can relieve gas, and gas is thought to be one of the major causes of ordinary crankiness and even colic.

Try the “colic carry”: Lay your baby on his tummy on your forearm, cradling his head in your hand. Use your other hand to stabilize him and rub his back.

You can also try laying him tummy-down across your lap, with one of your knees under his stomach and the other supporting his head. Or hold him upright, with his abdomen on your shoulder, while you rub and pat his little back.

Another gas reliever: Put him on his back and push his knees up to his tummy for 10 seconds. Release and repeat. Burp!

Diaper rash

Diaper rash is best kept at bay by preventing it in the first place. Try these tips:

• Change diapers about every two hours. Replacing a wet or dirty diaper with a clean, dry one plays a key role in preventing diaper rash. That’s because when skin stays damp for too long, it becomes more susceptible to rash-raising enzymes.
• Avoid perfumes and alcohols in soaps, scented baby wipes and other products that come into contact with your baby’s nether region, since they can irritate that sensitive baby skin. Prevent diaper rash by using fragrant-free baby wipes, and make sure you thoroughly dry his skin during every diaper change. Another option? Clean his bottom with cotton balls or a washcloth soaked in warm water.
• Try experimenting with different types of diapers or even switching to cloth to see whether that helps prevent diaper rash. Sometimes super absorbent disposable diapers are so efficient at trapping moisture that they lead to more rashes. Cloth diapers are less absorbent, which can encourage more frequent changes — and that, in turn, can be a change for the better if they lead to fewer breakouts.

How to plan meals ahead

One way to make sure you’re eating healthy as a new parent: Do as much as you can ahead of time.

If you’re boiling an egg for lunch, boil six so they’re ready and waiting for you tomorrow. If it’s salmon salad you crave today, crack open a large can so that you’ll be able to fish for an easy snack the next day.

Bake a half-dozen potatoes at once — it’s quick and easy to warm them later, along with some pre-shredded cheddar and leftover broccoli. Ditto brown rice — make a box, and reheat it all week.

Using a breast pump

If you’re breastfeeding and ready to start pumping breast milk, maximize your output by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day plus eating plenty of water-packed fruits and veggies.

The best time to express is likely in the morning, when your breasts are fullest. If you’re at work, try to pump on the same schedule as your baby’s feedings so you keep your milk supply going strong. 

If you’re at home and are stockpiling milk, try pumping an hour or so after the baby’s morning feeding.

To begin using your best pump, find a comfortable, quiet spot and relax as much as possible to encourage letdown. A quick breast massage or gently shaking your breasts can get the ball rolling, as can hot compresses to the nipples.

If your baby is close by, try cuddling him (as long as he doesn’t mind being this close to milk he can’t have); if you’re away from home, look at a favorite picture of him, or close your eyes and imagine his face and his smell as he nurses.

If you’re using an electric breast pump, use the lowest suction at first, and then gradually increase it when things get moving.

Do be patient. It may take a few minutes (or a few weeks) for you to get into a comfortable rhythm.

Wearing baby

Wearing your baby and walking around is a great way to soothe him if he’s crying. Your little one will enjoy the feeling of closeness and the rhythm of your steps.

And as an extra bonus, your hands remain free for multitasking (laundry or dinner prep, anyone?).

Have your baby face your body in a front-pack carrier for the first three months when he needs the extra head support. Or use a sling — which is great for on-the-go nursing and can convert to a side or back hold when your baby gets older.

If your baby balks at being in a sling or front carrier at first, don’t give up on it entirely. Some babies who don’t like to be facing backward come to love it when it’s time to face forward and see the world.

Baby sun protection

Babies should be kept out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time until they’re 6 months old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

When you do go outside in the sunny weather, dress your infant in protective clothing — a cute little hat to shield that noggin and those kissable cheeks, as well as long sleeves, lightweight pants and socks.

If there’s no shade around — either from the stroller, an umbrella or a tree — use sunscreen (yes, even on a baby under 6 months old). Put a small dab on any exposed skin except his hands (since babies love to put their hands in their mouths), though a tiny bit on the back of the hands is generally okay.

Grocery shopping

When friends ask if there’s anything they can do to help, suggest they send a roast chicken, a tray of lasagna, pre-washed bags of salad greens, a giant carton of fruit salad, a platter of veggies and dip, or a dozen whole wheat bagels (melt a slice of cheese on top of one of those babies, and you have yourself a healthy mini-meal).

In other words, try to keep your kitchen stocked with easy-to-prepare foods you like, so that thinking about what to eat takes no thought at all.

And tap into every delivery option available to you — including groceries, meal kits and takeout. Also consider ordering ahead a few meals, so that you’ll have something to reheat tomorrow.